Are you someone who notices the different techniques and trends utilized in commercials? Do you appreciate effective design and color schemes? Have you ever wanted to study psychology? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider advertising as your college major! Advertising majors learn how to promote and sell products/services through the production of messages.
Education
According to the College Board, an advertising education usually leads to a bachelor’s degree. Consider taking classes like speech, journalism and AP Psychology in high school in order to prepare for the major. In college, you will be studying different parts of the advertising process including creative strategy, advertising copywriting and design, advertising research and consumer behavior.
What to know before you apply
Before you decide on a college, find out what kinds of internships or job shadows are available. Will you be contributing to market research, copywriting, or art/design? Depending on your personal interests, this can be a crucial part of your education. Also, ask about the professors’ average experience. Are they professionals in the field or experts in theory and academia? Their past careers will influence your future career opportunities. Finally, research the type of software and computer applications required for the program. If you need to buy certain programs, you’ll need to factor that into your financial plans.
Colleges offering related majors
• Five Towns College: Dix Hills, N.Y.
• Full Sail University: Winter Park, Fla.
• Hawai’i Pacific University: Honolulu, Hawai’i
• Monroe Community College: Rochester, N.Y.
• Pennsylvania College of Technology: Williamsport, Pa.
Salary
A degree in advertising will prepare you for careers in art direction, graphic design and copywriting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, art directors earned an average salary of $95,000 per year in 2011, while graphic designers earned $48,690. Copywriters earned an annual average of $78,250 in 2011.
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